Reduced versus standard dose apixaban for secondary prevention of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) often require prolonged anticoagulation because malignancy and chemotherapy can persist for months to years, sustaining both thrombotic and bleeding risks. While full-dose apixaban (5 mg twice daily) is recommended for secondary prevention, extended use may increase bleeding in this vulnerable population. Reducing the dose to 2.5 mg twice daily after six months of full-dose treatment has been proposed to lower bleeding risk without compromising protection against recurrent VTE. To clarify the safety and efficacy of this strategy, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing reduced- versus standard-dose apixaban for extended therapy in patients with cancer-associated VTE. The study followed PRISMA guidel

SUBMITTER: Malhotra V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757263 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature